PRACTICE may not have yet made perfect for Doncaster Rovers, but regularity is already yielding its rewards under Darren Ferguson.

The case for the defence at Rovers is particularly easy to make of late, with the leakage of two late goals in last weekend’s 2-0 loss to Rochdale being the only blemishes in five matches since October 27.

Rovers are chasing their fifth clean sheet in six matches this afternoon, but face arguably their stiffest test in the Ferguson era at leaders Coventry City.

Close to the top of the Scot’s in-tray when breezing through the doors at the Keepmoat Stadium was improving their vital defensive statistics, with much painstaking work at their Cantley Park training ground now bearing fruit.

With the likes of Luke McCullough and Gary MacKenzie back in the frame today, Rovers’ back-four options are also improving and if the rearguard can replicate Yorkshire rivals Bradford City’s midweek shut-out against the Sky Blues, Ferguson will justifiably feel he is onto something.

On the renewed defensive resolve, Ferguson said: “Credit to the players, I think the system of three at the back has helped.

“The work we have done has been repetitive a lot of the time.

“We keep doing it so they know exactly what they are doing when it comes to a game. But every game is different.

“On Tuesday, we wanted to play a particularly high pressing game and Saturday may be different, just looking at the opposition and what is best to win the game.

“The goalkeeper has also made some good saves at crucial times in games and I have been pleased with the clean sheets as that always gives you a platform.